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Amazon confirms 4K streaming plans

Amazon looks set to follow the lead of Netflix later this year by offering 4K streaming video content via its Prime Instant Video service.

The news was seemingly confirmed by Amazon Instant Video marketing director Russell Morris, who told PC Advisor that a team at Amazon was working specifically on bringing 4K video to its streaming service.

We already knew that Amazon was investing plenty of energy in to 4K video; the company confirmed at the start of the year that Amazon Studios would shoot all original content in 4K. So Amazon should be building a decent library of Ultra HD content, something sorely missing at the minute despite the number of 4K TVs on the market continuing to grow.

Amazon announced in 2013 that it would produce five new comedy and drama pilots in 2014 as part of its Amazon Studios project. After feedback on the pilots, some would be made in to full series and be shot in 4K. You can see all the films and TV shows in development - and give your opinion - on the Amazon Studios review page.

More after the break

Elsewhere, Sony announced a new 4K Media Player, the FMP-X5, which brings streaming to older Sony 4K TVs by having the necessary HEVC codec integrated in to the box. It's due on sale in August for £350.

Amazon also confirmed an Android app would be coming for Prime Instant Video. Currently the service is available on Amazon's own devices, iPad, iPhone, PlayStation and Xbox, as well as smart TVs and selected other home cinema products from LG, Samsung and Sony.

Comments

4k streaming or any streaming

It would be nice if Amazon released an app to allow streaming to other Android devices rather than just TV's or Kindle Fire's rather than extend the range of services I cannot receive with my subscription!